the 7th and 8th rounds seem to the slide into the notches of the shell which the slide ejector grabs hold to...so higher grade mags/springs should do the trick which I'm hoping works for me
got same results with my colt mag, old GI mag, act mags, shooting star, stock wilson combat and my wilson combat with Tripp springs and followers. all did same as u show when loading mag. but all mine worked flawlessly in gun. are u sure the problem isnt with the feed-ramp?
So far, I've realized that the nosediving is one contributing factor to a Failure to Feed (magazine issue). However, in your case, your 1911 seems to be more finely tuned. There are gunsmiths that know how to tune a standard 1911 to accept flat-nose bullets (such as hollow points or semi-wadcutters). Many times, the solution is not as simple as polishing the feed ramp or installing a high magazine catch.
I just broke the retaining lips on 2 ACT mags that came with my Smith & Wesson 1911, when the round nosedived I tried to push it back into the mag busting the retaining lip. Its upsetting to spend over $1000 on a 1911 and they supply these magazines. Have been using Chip McCormick mags for a while now. Smith & Wesson was nice enough to send me 2 new ACT mags on their dime though, so it wasn't terrible. Thanks for the link, going to use Tripp for some followers and springs on my ACTs.
I have heard feedback from ACT Mag users that the magazine lips tend to crack or break. This is coming from competition (IPSC/PPSA) shooters who constantly drop their magazines during reloads through their course of fire. Yeah, it is pretty upsetting.
Tell me how the Tripp followers and springs turn out in your magazines! It's almost impossible accessing those products from here in the Philippines.
My Metro Arms 1911A1 came with one of these same ACT mags and I've had exactly the same problem with it. First round ALWAYS nosedives with it. Loading it with only 7 helps a little, but even then the problem persists. With Chip McCormick and Metalform mags, my 1911 performs flawlessly. I just save the ACT mag for range use. Thought of trying a Wolff mag spring and/or an 18 lb. recoil spring to see if it would help, but it's cheaper and easier just to buy a better mag.
thats sad. i also have the same unit. but fortunately, mine only jams when an unnoticed expanded reload shell is loaded like the one in my channel. great job on the reviews.
Same here, I get the nose diving but my feeding is fine with FMJ ammo. My 1911 GI and stock magazine (ACT-Mag) get problematic with flat-nosed ammo (ex. semi-wadcutters, hollowpoints).
What you can do to get the bullets to "settle" in the magazine is to tap the magazine on your other palm after you load the magazine. This may help. That's what we always do whenever we load them. Also, check the ammo's OAL.
Never had a problem with nosediving since I use either a 16 lb or an 18.5 lb recoil spring. Again, don't hesitate when you release the slide. Your strong hand should be firm when chambering a round.
When there's not enough force to chamber the bullet, such as hesitating to release the slide or a lower weight recoil spring is used, there's a tendency for the bullet to "nosedive."
I've used both Shooting Star and Wilson 8-rounder mags, and they were okay. I still prefer 7-round Wilson magazines.
My Armscor 1911 GI is in stock configuration and functions flawlessly with ball (FMJ or round-nosed) ammunition. I took note of Operator Error (see "Update #3 " and "Pistol Basics").
Question. Do your Wilson Combat and Shooting Star 8-round magazines nose dive when loaded with 5 cartridges or more (not necessarily a Failure to Feed)? You can try the test that I did in the video. I've heard of other guys who had Failures to Feed even with Wilson Combat magazines.
i recently got my FA here. the only customization i've made w/ it is converting it to ambi safety since im a lefty. all the rest . . . . . . original.
by the way, i too has the same fa like what you've got. Armscor 1911 A1 FS GI.
It seems that your 1911 is in the standard set up. how would you assess 1911's using the Full Length Guide Rod? I have been browsing the net for quite sometime from 1911 forums and discovered that FLGR's has a very, very, very minimal advantage on 1911s. The only thing that improve on this set up is its slider. its more on much firmer retract as they say.
Hi Greg! Straight to the point, I think full-length guide rods are really a matter of personal preference. Like you, I don't really see a significant advantage or improvement when using them. Likewise, I also don't get why they're sometimes called "stabilizers". Haha.
John Browning designed the 1911 with the standard guide rod and it works fine how I see it. I like to keep the look of my 1911 GI as authentic as possible.
With custom 1911s, feel free to customize it to your taste. :)
Hm. Considering that your feed ramp is polished already (I assume it was properly done, the angle of the feed ramp was not altered), that sounds like a magazine issue. Try the Wilson Combat magazine and tell me if you still encounter feeding problems.
Even before test firing, you can test feeding through this. Try loading up your Wilson Combat magazine to full and hand cycle the cartridges (pull the slide all the way back and let go like a bow and arrow) to see if they feed properly.
Hey good video, but I dont think its the spring...My Wilson Combat magazine does the same thing and it has much stronger spring and a better follower. What it looks like to me, and I tested what you were doing, is that when more rounds get put in the base of the casing becomes flush with the back of the magazine. Therefor they no longer have the upward angle.
May I ask, when does your Failure to Feed with your S&W 1911 usually occur? Does it happen when you chamber a round? Or does it happen during the course of firing?
For a Failure to Feed, the first possible cause I check would be the feed ramp. If your feed ramp looks rough or not polished, cartridges have a higher probability of getting caught (jamming) when chambering or even during the course of firing.
If feed ramp and magazine are ruled out, try consulting S&W's Customer Service.
@TheAgeOfExploration I have polished the feed ramp, no dice with the stock magazines. I bought a Wilson Combat magazine and will be testing it out when I can get to the range.
I see. So that rules out feed ramp as a probable cause of your Failure to Feed. Tell me how your testing goes with the Wilson Combat magazine.
If feeding problems persist, there may be a different cause. The internals of your 1911 may have to be checked (extractor, alignment of parts, fitting, etc.).
Please take note of when your Failures to Feed occur (ie. 1. When chambering the first round; 2. As you are firing through your magazine). This will help narrow down the cause.
Great video. I am experiencing exactly this problem with my McCormick mags and an old Colt 1911 I have but only when 8 rounds are loaded.
603ER 1 hour ago
Just polish the feed ramp bud.
DontTreadOnMePrepper 3 weeks ago
@DontTreadOnMePrepper
I did that man. Check out my update videos:
1. "1911: Feeding Solutions"
2. "1911: Chip McCormick Magazine & Hollow Points"
Polishing the feed ramp helps but I learned that magazines play a big role in the feeding process as well.
If your 1911 does not have any feeding problems, rock on. No need to worry. :)
TheAgeOfExploration 3 weeks ago
the 7th and 8th rounds seem to the slide into the notches of the shell which the slide ejector grabs hold to...so higher grade mags/springs should do the trick which I'm hoping works for me
mixedman 2 months ago
got same results with my colt mag, old GI mag, act mags, shooting star, stock wilson combat and my wilson combat with Tripp springs and followers. all did same as u show when loading mag. but all mine worked flawlessly in gun. are u sure the problem isnt with the feed-ramp?
45Blackjack 3 months ago
@45Blackjack
Hey Blackjack! Thanks for the comment! :)
I've been trying to figure this out.
So far, I've realized that the nosediving is one contributing factor to a Failure to Feed (magazine issue). However, in your case, your 1911 seems to be more finely tuned. There are gunsmiths that know how to tune a standard 1911 to accept flat-nose bullets (such as hollow points or semi-wadcutters). Many times, the solution is not as simple as polishing the feed ramp or installing a high magazine catch.
TheAgeOfExploration 3 months ago
I just broke the retaining lips on 2 ACT mags that came with my Smith & Wesson 1911, when the round nosedived I tried to push it back into the mag busting the retaining lip. Its upsetting to spend over $1000 on a 1911 and they supply these magazines. Have been using Chip McCormick mags for a while now. Smith & Wesson was nice enough to send me 2 new ACT mags on their dime though, so it wasn't terrible. Thanks for the link, going to use Tripp for some followers and springs on my ACTs.
pikemazter 6 months ago
@pikemazter
I have heard feedback from ACT Mag users that the magazine lips tend to crack or break. This is coming from competition (IPSC/PPSA) shooters who constantly drop their magazines during reloads through their course of fire. Yeah, it is pretty upsetting.
Tell me how the Tripp followers and springs turn out in your magazines! It's almost impossible accessing those products from here in the Philippines.
Thanks for the comment man! :)
TheAgeOfExploration 6 months ago
@pikemazter ditch the act mags and get some wilson combat,,,,, they are the best period and $30 a mag from top gun supply
emorocksit8 4 months ago
My Metro Arms 1911A1 came with one of these same ACT mags and I've had exactly the same problem with it. First round ALWAYS nosedives with it. Loading it with only 7 helps a little, but even then the problem persists. With Chip McCormick and Metalform mags, my 1911 performs flawlessly. I just save the ACT mag for range use. Thought of trying a Wolff mag spring and/or an 18 lb. recoil spring to see if it would help, but it's cheaper and easier just to buy a better mag.
darkwriter77 7 months ago 2
@darkwriter77
Thanks for sharing your experience man! That's valuable insight.
I'll try out the Chip McCormick magazines (I see them around in many shops) and I'll take a look at those Metalform magazines.
TheAgeOfExploration 7 months ago
Thank you dude!!!! That is exactly what I think was happening with my situation and I too am using the Act-mags
ricksn777 8 months ago
@ricksn777
You're welcome man! I'm glad I could help. :) It took me a while to figure this one out.
TheAgeOfExploration 8 months ago
thats sad. i also have the same unit. but fortunately, mine only jams when an unnoticed expanded reload shell is loaded like the one in my channel. great job on the reviews.
lisolangka 8 months ago
Hey Marts, Mine is 1911A1 FS PS 9mm experiencing nose diving but never experienced FTF problems with FMJ bullets. I haven't tried hollowpoints
reekee98 9 months ago
@reekee98
Hey man! Thanks for the comment and insight! :)
Same here, I get the nose diving but my feeding is fine with FMJ ammo. My 1911 GI and stock magazine (ACT-Mag) get problematic with flat-nosed ammo (ex. semi-wadcutters, hollowpoints).
TheAgeOfExploration 9 months ago
What you can do to get the bullets to "settle" in the magazine is to tap the magazine on your other palm after you load the magazine. This may help. That's what we always do whenever we load them. Also, check the ammo's OAL.
Never had a problem with nosediving since I use either a 16 lb or an 18.5 lb recoil spring. Again, don't hesitate when you release the slide. Your strong hand should be firm when chambering a round.
kbd26 10 months ago
When there's not enough force to chamber the bullet, such as hesitating to release the slide or a lower weight recoil spring is used, there's a tendency for the bullet to "nosedive."
I've used both Shooting Star and Wilson 8-rounder mags, and they were okay. I still prefer 7-round Wilson magazines.
kbd26 10 months ago
@kbd26
Thanks for the insight! :)
My Armscor 1911 GI is in stock configuration and functions flawlessly with ball (FMJ or round-nosed) ammunition. I took note of Operator Error (see "Update #3 " and "Pistol Basics").
Question. Do your Wilson Combat and Shooting Star 8-round magazines nose dive when loaded with 5 cartridges or more (not necessarily a Failure to Feed)? You can try the test that I did in the video. I've heard of other guys who had Failures to Feed even with Wilson Combat magazines.
TheAgeOfExploration 10 months ago
thanks bro. . .
i recently got my FA here. the only customization i've made w/ it is converting it to ambi safety since im a lefty. all the rest . . . . . . original.
by the way, i too has the same fa like what you've got. Armscor 1911 A1 FS GI.
gregmr7171 11 months ago
good day bro!
It seems that your 1911 is in the standard set up. how would you assess 1911's using the Full Length Guide Rod? I have been browsing the net for quite sometime from 1911 forums and discovered that FLGR's has a very, very, very minimal advantage on 1911s. The only thing that improve on this set up is its slider. its more on much firmer retract as they say.
anyway, how would you find that?
any idea?
thanks bro !
gregmr7171 11 months ago
@gregmr7171
Hi Greg! Straight to the point, I think full-length guide rods are really a matter of personal preference. Like you, I don't really see a significant advantage or improvement when using them. Likewise, I also don't get why they're sometimes called "stabilizers". Haha.
John Browning designed the 1911 with the standard guide rod and it works fine how I see it. I like to keep the look of my 1911 GI as authentic as possible.
With custom 1911s, feel free to customize it to your taste. :)
TheAgeOfExploration 11 months ago
Comment removed
gregmr7171 11 months ago
yea the first and last are almost all the time, ad its random through the magazine.
rabbit2110 11 months ago
@rabbit2110
Hm. Considering that your feed ramp is polished already (I assume it was properly done, the angle of the feed ramp was not altered), that sounds like a magazine issue. Try the Wilson Combat magazine and tell me if you still encounter feeding problems.
Even before test firing, you can test feeding through this. Try loading up your Wilson Combat magazine to full and hand cycle the cartridges (pull the slide all the way back and let go like a bow and arrow) to see if they feed properly.
TheAgeOfExploration 11 months ago
Hey good video, but I dont think its the spring...My Wilson Combat magazine does the same thing and it has much stronger spring and a better follower. What it looks like to me, and I tested what you were doing, is that when more rounds get put in the base of the casing becomes flush with the back of the magazine. Therefor they no longer have the upward angle.
rabbit2110 11 months ago
@rabbit2110
May I ask, when does your Failure to Feed with your S&W 1911 usually occur? Does it happen when you chamber a round? Or does it happen during the course of firing?
For a Failure to Feed, the first possible cause I check would be the feed ramp. If your feed ramp looks rough or not polished, cartridges have a higher probability of getting caught (jamming) when chambering or even during the course of firing.
If feed ramp and magazine are ruled out, try consulting S&W's Customer Service.
TheAgeOfExploration 11 months ago
@TheAgeOfExploration I have polished the feed ramp, no dice with the stock magazines. I bought a Wilson Combat magazine and will be testing it out when I can get to the range.
rabbit2110 11 months ago
@rabbit2110
I see. So that rules out feed ramp as a probable cause of your Failure to Feed. Tell me how your testing goes with the Wilson Combat magazine.
If feeding problems persist, there may be a different cause. The internals of your 1911 may have to be checked (extractor, alignment of parts, fitting, etc.).
Please take note of when your Failures to Feed occur (ie. 1. When chambering the first round; 2. As you are firing through your magazine). This will help narrow down the cause.
TheAgeOfExploration 11 months ago